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Auction: 11010 - Orders, Decorations, Campaign Medals & Militaria
Lot: 19

x A Great War 1915 ´Western Front´ D.C.M. Group of Four to Sergeant F.C. Luke, Royal Field Artillery a) Distinguished Conduct Medal, G.V.R. (59909. Bmbr: F.C. Luke. 37/ Bty. R.F.A.) b) 1914 Star, with Bar (59909 Gnr: F. Luke. R.F.A.) c) British War and Victory Medals (59909 Sjt. F. Luke. R.A.), minor edge bruise to first, polished, nearly very fine (4) Estimate £ 600-800 D.C.M. London Gazette 30.6.1915 59909 Bombardier Luke, F.C., 37th Battery, Royal Field Artillery ´For conspicuous courage and ability while employed as Battery telephonist. Bombardier Luke has carried out a large amount of difficult and dangerous work while repairing telephone wires under fire.´ 59909 Sergeant Frank C. Luke, D.C.M., served with the 37th Battery, Royal Field Artillery on the Western Front from 19.8.1914, and was present at the battle of Le Cateau, 26.8.1914 (letter from Royal Artillery Headquarters confirms). At Le Cateau, 14 Infantry Brigade (5 Division, II Corps) was supported by XV Brigade Royal Field Artillery (11, 52, and 80 Batteries RFA) and 37 Howitzer Battery. The guns were positioned well forward. By 13:45 hours the situation on the right flank was critical and the order was given to withdraw the guns. 11 and 37 Batteries each got four guns away; 80 Battery five. 52 Battery´s guns were abandoned. As the enemy over-ran the operating position, two guns of 37 Battery (E and F Subs) remained 200 yards in the rear of the gun position. Captain Douglas Reynolds, the Captain of 37 Battery, had permission to try and save the last two guns and had collected volunteers and two gun teams. The teams galloped forward and Reynolds increased the pace over the last 1,000 yards. Both guns were limbered up and F Sub was first away. The Germans now opened fire and as F Sub led by Lieutenant Morgan passed Reynolds, the centre driver was shot and fell off. He threw up his whip which Reynolds caught and used on the centre horses. The lead driver was Driver Job Drain; the wheel driver, Driver Frederick Luke, rode out on the limber. Meanwhile, a lead horse on E Sub, led by Lieutenant Earle, was shot down. Earle immediately went to unhook the wheelers but other horses were hit. Earle´s arm was broken by a bullet, and he was shot in the head and fell. At this point he ordered everyone to leave the gun. For their gallantry in saving the guns at Le Cateau, Captain Reynolds, Driver Drain, and Driver Luke were all awarded the Victoria Cross; additionally the Battery were awarded two D.S.O.s, two D.C.M.s, a Legion of Honour, and a Croix de Guerre. 37 Battery was later redesignated 93 (Le Cateau) Battery, Royal Artillery.

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